Legions of security officers and police are being deployed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as organisers prepare for what officials describe as an unprecedented security challenge to protect fans, players and venues across North America.
Authorities in Hong Kong have seized suspected counterfeit World Cup merchandise worth an estimated HK$156 million (US$19.91 million), including jerseys and footballs, in one of the city's largest recent crackdowns on fake sports goods.
Spanish football club Real Madrid has appointed José Mourinho as its new manager. The 63-year-old nicknamed “the special one” returns to the helm of Spain’s most successful football club, more than a decade since his last stint as the team's manager.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
Football fans of all ages gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker trading event, exchanging duplicates and comparing Panini albums as they prepared for the tournament's opening match.
Colombian singer Shakira will perform the official World Cup song, "Dai Dai", at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City, FIFA announced on Friday (5 June).
South Africa's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered an unexpected setback after the national team failed to depart for Mexico as scheduled on Sunday (31 May) because some players and officials had not yet received their visas.
Celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s second consecutive Champions League victory were overshadowed by violence in the French capital, leaving more than 200 people injured and one person dead, according to the interior ministry.
Uzbekistan has unveiled its final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament. The national team, led by Italian head coach Fabio Cannavaro, will compete at the tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s football coach, after finding him guilty of serious misconduct involving the secret filming of players in changing rooms.
Thousands of fans turned out in Iran's capital Tehran for a massive farewell ceremony on Wednesday night for their national football team, wishing them success before their departure for the World Cup 2026 matches co-hosted by the United States and Mexico.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
Türkiye secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1–0 away victory over Kosovo in the European qualifying play-off final, ending a 24-year absence from the tournament.
Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has announced on state television that Iran will not participate in the FIFA tournament, calling the United States a "corrupt" regime. Iran are currently grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Liverpool confirmed direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with a 6-0 win over Qarabağ at Anfield in their final league-phase match. Despite the setback, Qarabağ secured a play-off spot, with results elsewhere going in the Azerbaijani champions’ favour on the final matchday.
Qarabağ claimed a late 3–2 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, scoring deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic home win in Baku.
The U.S. will invest $115 million in counter-drone measures to bolster security around the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations, the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday.
Real Madrid have parted ways with coach Xabi Alonso, appointing former defender Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement.
Chelsea Football Club have parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, after the London side have won just one of their last seven English Premier League games.
Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has described playing the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil as a “positive responsibility”, as the Atlas Lions prepare for their tournament opener against Comoros on Sunday.
FIFA has introduced a new “more affordable” ticket category for the 2026 World Cup, priced at $60 (£45) for all 104 matches in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, according to agencies.
In a dramatic Champions League clash at Baku’s Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Qarabağ grabbed an early lead, but Ajax staged a thrilling comeback to win 4-2.
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